Badminton sessions in Haringey a smash for disabled people

Last Friday (18 July), 12 people with a learning disability and volunteers from Haringey Mencap donned their sports gear to take part in a new badminton project with Black Arrows Badminton Club. The initiative has been set up by Mencap Sport, Special Olympics GB and BADMINTON England to create more opportunities for people with a learning disability to participate in badminton.

Herald, who took part in Friday’s session, has a learning disability and is a member of Haringey Mencap. He said:

“I have played badminton before but not for many years. When I heard about the sessions I was interested straight away. It’s a good session because it gives me the chance to play badminton and build my skills.”

Mencap Sport, Special Olympics GB and BADMINTON England have worked together to develop a one-year action plan to get people with a learning disability more involved in playing badminton – both recreationally and competitively. The pilot project, which was launched on Friday, will run for eight weeks, with discussions already in progress to offer regular participation opportunities after the project.

Andy Heffer, Director of Sports and Development for Special Olympics GB said:

“We’re very excited by the start of this new project. We know that a lot of people with a learning disability play badminton recreationally, but relatively few make the transition into coaching and competition and this new partnership will help to address this.”

Ian Carpenter, National Sport Manager for Mencap said:

“It’s fantastic to see that through our positive partnership with BADMINTON England, people with a learning disability are getting the opportunity to have a go at badminton. Our ongoing work means people with a learning disability will be able to play badminton on a regular basis and also have the opportunity to play competitively. What’s more, our Learning Disability Awareness in Sport workshops will enable coaches and volunteers from local badminton clubs to develop their knowledge and skills.”

Sandy Kurek, Project Manager for BADMINTON England said:

“The fantastic link that has now been created between Black Arrows Badminton Club and Haringey Mencap has been produced through the ongoing partnership work and support of Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB, and the willingness of Black Arrows to develop Inclusive badminton opportunities across London.

“Working on an action plan with Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB, we were able to work towards a common goal, and provide expertise and knowledge where necessary, offer participants interested in badminton a chance to try the game and a pathway into a BADMINTON England ‘Premier’ Clubmark club.”

Henry, Head Coach at Black Arrows Badminton Club said:

“Black Arrows Badminton Club, a BADMINTON England “Club Mark” club, has a long history of successful badminton development in London, working in partnership with BADMINTON England, Arsenal Football club and a number of local authorities and other partners.

“As a club we have been actively involved in promoting, encouraging and delivering badminton playing opportunities for disabled people, working in close partnership with the Elfrida Society for the past three years. Our programme is expanding and this new pilot project with Mencap Haringey will create another local venue in North London, where local disabled people can get to play the sport of badminton, learn new skills, have fun, and make new friends in a safe fun environment. We are hoping that this session can be established as an ongoing club session which is much needed in Haringey”.

For more information or to get involved in an upcoming session in Haringey, please contact Melanie Lampert, Learning Disability Sport Advisor for Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB, on: 07432 636 637 or melanie.lampert@mencap.org.uk